e46 Aux install not working

[Richland4Life]

Hi guys

So I have a 2002 325 and I installed the grey aux cord recently on the business cd unit, unfortunately it is not working. When I press mode, "aux" does not come up.

My guess is that my stereo unit is previous to production of 2002 which I have heard wont work, can anyone clarify this? Im wondering if I should go buy a new stereo unit from a e46 that was manufactured in 2003 or later, or if it is a faulty auxiliary cord. Thanks for help.

[dodge408]

Look up blitzsafe on Google it'll be cheaper than a new HU

[Richland4Life]

Thanks but that's a little pricier, I bought the aux cable for like 30 bucks hoping it would work. im wondering if a junk yard will switch out my stereo unit for little cost.

[328ISNoMasPowa]

Shoulda bought a grom.

[Richland4Life]

thank you for replying but please explain. what is a grom? im open to suggestions I can still return the aux cable and try a different route, but at this point im thinking of buying a 2003+ e46 stereo from a junkyard hoping that will work.

[328ISNoMasPowa]

Well, the grom hooks up in place of the 6 disk cd changer in the trunk (if you have it). It cost me about $100 after buying the USB and 3.5 m&m aux input. But you said you had the business radio. I had the one with the gps so it may be different.

[THEREDTUXEDO]

Well, the grom hooks up in place of the 6 disk cd changer in the trunk (if you have it). It cost me about $100 after buying the USB and 3.5 m&m aux input. But you said you had the business radio. I had the one with the gps so it may be different.

I installed a grom on my 01 business radio successfully. I'm absolutely positive they make one for 02 business radios.

[Anthracite]

What model of the radio? Also, have you looked at an Intravee II?

[Richland4Life]

its a 2002 so im guessing the radio is manufactured in 2001 but its the business radio with cd. I don't have the 6 disc cd changer, and I haven't looked into intravee 2 II is it relatively easy and cheap?

[Anthracite]

the intravee is not the cheapest, but it works in place of the CDC and all communication is via the I-bus. It is easily expandable with Alpine Ai-net components so if you want to add i-Pod, CDC, Bluetooth, Aux, sound processors, DVD and so on it becomes plug and play. I have it in my '01 E39 and could not be happier.

[Anthracite]

Your radio does not support Aux. Aux was not supported on radios for car built prior to 9/02.
For CD53 Information
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=722025

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-CD53...ht_1083wt_1018

[WoLF]

Just get a newer radio. Don't worry about getting some other solution, as you already have a perfectly fine aux cable.

[Richland4Life]

Just get a newer radio. Don't worry about getting some other solution, as you already have a perfectly fine aux cable.

Yea im on the search for a newer radio. Searching junkyards now already have a couple potential buys for around $60 to $80. Thanks for clarifying guys I appreciate it.

[328ISNoMasPowa]

You can buy a grom for $85 and it should work with your radio and it will have aux and USB power hookups. Return your auc cord an you will save money and have a good reliable warranted product.

[AndonGT]

Hi, I also have 2003 e46 Compact and I have business unit that is 2003 as well and I bought an aux cable that I plugged on the back of it (I tried both right and left slots) and it did not work as I did not get the AUX after pressing MODE. I need help please advise me as I'm reading forums like crazy but nothing yet. Thank you in advance

[AndonGT]

I have 2003 e46 Compact with a business unit that is 2003 as well and I did all possible to make my AUX cable work but it does not giving me the option on MODE no matter which side I put the cable into - right (which it should be) and left. I still have only CD and Radio and I need a big help. Cable is plugged correct and is brand new so I don't really understand the reason why is not coming up?! Need help as well

[legoman67]

I have 2003 e46 Compact with a business unit that is 2003 as well and I did all possible to make my AUX cable work but it does not giving me the option on MODE no matter which side I put the cable into - right (which it should be) and left. I still have only CD and Radio and I need a big help. Cable is plugged correct and is brand new so I don't really understand the reason why is not coming up?! Need help as well

Check to ensure your radio supports AUX-in.

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...y-MP3-Data-CDs!

[Graysonmillar]

My 2002 330ci might have the old biz stereo in it, because the previous owner had installed an aux jack system in the back, however it's a stupid FM transmitter box, so the quality is lame as hell. I'm going to be upgrading the strereo to aftermarket probably if this is the case, even though I like keeping things stock-ish (minus my carbon fiber vinyl obsession with worn interior parts! lol). Whatever you do, don't bother with the method they used in my car, it was like $99 and sounds like hell. Buy an aftermarket, or an updated biz cd player.

[Jose3m]

I got a radio from a 2005 BMW e46 and it has one plug for aux and I got a plug from Amazon for 7 dollars and it fit there is a form alrady for this I'll post the link it's a diy it might be helpful http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...-E46-Aux-Input

[MikePetersen]

Just posted this video as I partially root caused the problem, I hope it is helpful... I believe if you have inputs levels other than a standard headphone level output aux will disappear. http://youtu.be/EU36HAQAyGs

[gc325is]

A radio reset sometime will work

https://www.bmwsections.com/info/radio-settings.php

[BamaBMWgirl]

Disappearing Aux option - Problem Solved!

I have had a similar issue with my 2005 E46.

I installed an aftermarket Aux cable (eBay) and it worked for about two days. On the third day, the Aux option on my stereo disappeared. It was completely gone. After disconnecting/reconnecting everything, taking the negative cable off my battery, reading every post on the internet and researching having my stereo coded at the dealer, I came to the following conclusions and fix.

1. If you do not have an AUX option on your Business CD prior to installing an Aux cable, then it probably will not work. Aux is only enabled on e46's made after 2002.

2. Installing either the OE AUX cable or an aftermarket Aux cable may not work consistently or may cause your AUX option to disappear completely.

3. If your Aux option disappears, you do not need to have your radio coded at the dealer. If the Aux option was enabled before the cable install, it is still there. More than likely, the radio is no longer recognizing the Aux port due to a Ground Loop fault. This will happen most often when your phone is plugged into a USB charger and the Aux port at the same time. (I won't get technical here - there are many posts about this on the internet and even a DIY on how to build your own cable.)

4. Plugging a Ground Loop Isolator $10 - directly into the Aux port will probably fix the issue. Here is a link to the product I found and used. I plugged the GL Isolator into my new aux port and my phone into the opposite end of the GL Isolator. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

With the car and stereo off, I plugged the Ground Loop Isolator into the new Aux port and turned the key to the first position. My Aux option instantly reappeared on my stereo and it is working great. I can also charge my telephone and use the Aux simultaneously now.

I hope this helps someone else avoid the craziness of trying to solve this problem.

[curry]

I got a Business radio from a 2004 on ebay for about a hundred bucks. Plug and play. It works perfectly. There are a lot of threads about which ones to get on this site and others.